wish for! It was all loyal! That she spoke it to me was
perhaps because I was almost a stranger with whom there was no previous
barrier to confidence."

Here I paused. It was hard to go on; and I feared lest I might, in my
zeal, do Margaret a disservice. The relief of the strain came from her
father.

"And you?"

"Sir, Miss Trelawny is very sweet and beautiful! She is young; and her
mind is like crystal! Her sympathy is a joy! I am not an old man, and
my affections were not engaged. They never had been till then. I hope
I may say as much, even to a father!" My eyes involuntarily dropped.
When I raised them again Mr. Trelawny was still gazing at me keenly.
All the kindliness of his nature seemed to wreath itself in a smile as
he held out his hand and said:

"Malcolm Ross, I have always heard of you as a fearless and honourable
gentleman. I am glad my girl has such a friend! Go on!"

My heart leaped. The first step to the winning of Margaret's father
was gained. I dare say I was somewhat more effusive in my words and my
manner as I went on. I certainly felt that way.

"One thing we gain as we grow older: to use our age judiciously! I
have had much experience. I have fought for it and worked for it all
my life; and I felt that I was justified in using it. I ventured to
ask Miss Trelawny to count on me as a friend; to let me serve her
should occasion arise. She promised me that she would. I had little
idea that my chance of serving her should come so soon or in such a
way; but that very night you were stricken down. In her desolation and
anxiety she sent for me!" I paused. He continued to look at me as I
went on:

"When your letter of instructions was found, I offered my services.
They were accepted, as you know."

"And these days, how did they pass for you?" The question startled me.
There was in it something of Margaret's own voice and manner; something
so greatly resembling her lighter moments that it brought out all the
masculinity in me. I felt more sure of my ground now as I said:

"These days, sir, despite all their harrowing anxiety, despite all the
pain they held for the girl whom I grew to love more and more with each
passing hour, have been the happiest of my life!" He kept silence for
a long time; so long that, as I waited for him to speak, with my heart
beating, I began to wonder if my frankness had been too effusive. At
last he said:

"I suppose it is hard to say so much v